Student Council

The role of the Student Council

The student council of Castleisland Community College is an elected representative student body that participates in the life of the school and the community. Students have a valuable contribution to make to the effectiveness of their school and their involvement in the operation of the school is itself a valuable part of the education process for the students.

A Student Council provides an opportunity for students to engage in a structured partnership with teachers, parents and school managers in the operation of their school. Student Councils can create a sense of ownership of the school and its activities among the student population.

The establishment of a Student Council gives students an opportunity to acquire the sort of communication, planning and organisational skills which will be of benefit to them in their future lives. It enables students to take responsibility for projects, and to demonstrate that they can manage and bring such projects to successful conclusion. Moreover, the contribution made by a Student Council to the development of school policy in a number of areas can have significant benefits for students and the school. School policies are far more likely to be successful where they are clearly understood and accepted by all partners within the school community.

Objectives:

To be the voice of the student body and to listen to issues and problems concerning them.
To report on issues and council events at weekly meetings.
To participate in the drafting and development of school policies.
To liaise with the student council facilitator, the principal and deputy principals and other members of staff.
To create a pleasant environment for students that enhances the wellbeing of the student body.
To work with the local and national organisations such as Jigsaw
To represent the school and students at youth events such as Comhairle na nÓ
To undertake charity and fundraising work (e.g. TieDayFriday)
To maintain the high standard of quality in the school building and school facilities for students.

Achievements to date:

Funds raised for charities and school facilities on an annual basis.
Collaboration in the designing of school policies such as Positive Relationship Policy, School Trips, Guidance Counselling inspectorate reports.
Active and successful participation in Amber Flag Initiatives and Schools Ambassador Programme
Participation in and organisation of Comhairle na nÓg events with local schools
Involvement in Mental Health Week.
Participation in consultation on school uniform and P.E uniform.
Regular meetings with school management and BOM on school and student issues, problems and concerns.
Survey of school canteen food and meetings with the School Food Company on the canteen menus.